“I think 30 goals is like 20 to most of us,” Vanek said. “I think he has potential is way more than that in my opinion. I don’t think he believes in himself as much as he should. I don’t think he realizes how strong he is. Once he figures that part out, then the game will come easier for him.”
Vanek, 34, had 24 goals himself last season for the Vancouver Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets and has scored as many as 43 goals in a single season.
He believes Mantha, at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, is certainly capable of that kind of success.